Pasig city: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. launched a drainage clean-up drive in Metro Manila aimed at de-clogging heavily silted waterways that lead to recurrent flooding during the rainy season. The initiative, named the ‘Bayanihan sa Estero’ Program, focuses on 23 esteros prioritized for immediate intervention due to severe siltation, solid waste accumulation, poor flow conditions, and their tendency to flood.

According to Philippines News Agency, the areas were selected based on their impact on surrounding communities and proximity to flood-prone zones. At the program’s launch at Buli Creek in Pasig City, Marcos underscored that effective flood control requires clean waterways. He emphasized that flood control projects must include cleaning activities, not just infrastructure like slope protection.

The President highlighted the need for collaboration between the national government, local government units (LGUs), and volunteer groups to ensure the drive’s success. He stated that cleaner waterways allow quicker flood dispersal, reducing water stagnation in residential areas, especially those near creeks.

Marcos also noted that clean-up activities for 12 of the 23 targeted esteros have been completed, removing 881 cubic meters of garbage, according to data from the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA). Simultaneously, the MMDA conducted clean-up operations at four other sites: Catmon Creek in Malabon City, Pinagsama Creek in Taguig City, Hagonoy Retarding Pond in Taguig City, and Tapayan Retarding Pond in Taytay, Rizal.

The MMDA announced that the remaining 13 esteros are scheduled for clean-up, with ongoing coordination with LGUs. The MMDA acts as the lead coordinator and implementer of the metro-wide clean-up, partnering with cities or villages for manpower and resource mobilization. They plan to regularly maintain the priority sites to ensure long-term waterway management.

Currently, 273 rivers, tributaries, esteros, and open canals in Metro Manila serve as primary channels for stormwater and flood runoff. The MMDA plans to monitor and schedule clean-up for the remaining waterways, reinforcing its commitment to urban waterway management.